Ambulance crews arrived within three minutes of the first call which came in at 8.27am.

Ambulance service: "A man, believed to be in his 70s, was airlifted to Broomfield Hospital in a life-threatening after being anaesthetised on scene by air ambulance paramedics. A woman, believed to be in her 50s, was taken to Broomfield with severe burns.

"The other casualties were taken with serious and minor injuries to CGH. Injuries include burns, and trauma injuries such as broken legs.

"Five ambulances, several ambulance incident officers, the hazardous area response team (HART) and two air ambulances attended the scene and treated casualties on scene before they were taken to hospital."

12:16 pm

Local MP Douglas Carswell said that he will be meeting some of the residents of Cloes Lane this afternoon.

He added that he will head to the scene of the blast later on.

My thoughts are with those in Cloes Lane #clacton affected by explosion.

Essex Fire Brigade have released this statement: "Police have evacuated 19 properties in relation to the explosion in Clacton.

"These include ten properties in Cloes Lane, where the explosion occurred, and nine in the road immediately behind the affected property.

"There are ten casualties. One is in a life-threatening condition, two are in a severe condition.

"The other seven are walking wounded, including one young teenager.

"The electricity is going to be turned off and will affect the whole street for some time.

"Anyone who is concerned about friends or relatives can contact Essex Police on 101, extension 489803."

11:12 am

East of England Ambulance Service said the person with life-threatening injuries is a man in his 70s and he has been airlifted to Broomfield Hospital.

He was anaesthetised at the scene by paramedics.

A woman in her 50s has also been taken to the same hospital with severe burns.

A spokesman said: "The other casualties were taken with serious and minor injuries to Colchester General Hospital. Injuries include burns and trauma injuries, such as broken legs.

"Five ambulances, several ambulance incident officers, the hazardous area response team (HART) and two air ambulances attended the scene and treated casualties on scene before they were taken to hospital."

A primary school in Cloes Lane, St Clare's Roman Catholic, is believed to have been evacuated.

An Essex County Council spokeswoman said: "We are awaiting confirmation but we believe the school has been cleared."

10:59 am

From the Sky the devastation is even more dramatic.

Smoke rises from the spot where the two semi-detached houses once stood.